Robert Harllee Bellamy, 97

Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, November 12, 2012 at 5:41 p.m.

HENDERSONVILLE — Robert Harllee Bellamy passed away on November 10, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C. Born in Wilmington, N.C. on August 5, 1915; he lived a long and interesting life and remained a captivating story teller of his adventures until the end.

Robert is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Lorraine Messersmith Bellamy; his sister Caroline Bellamy Varnau; his parents Chesley Calhoun and Caroline Mallet Bellamy and his beloved aunt, Annabelle Gibbs Mallet. His second son, David Harllee Bellamy died in an automobile accident in 1968.

He is survived by his son Robert Rodney Bellamy and his wife Mary Kathleen Bellamy of Huntingtown, MD. He is also survived by his daughter Carol Lorraine Bellamy of Charlotte, N.C. His grandson Robert Bruce Bellamy; his granddaughter Lisa Bellamy Olin, her husband Jon Olin, and their precious gift of a great granddaughter Rebecca Marie Olin also live in Charlotte.

Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army in July of 1941 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1946. As a member of the 19th Combat Engineers he served in combat for 18 months including the WWII campaigns in Northern Africa and Italy. After being wounded three different times he transferred to the Military Intelligence Division of the War Department.

Spending the majority of his life in Hendersonville, N.C. Robert worked as the manager of the Finishing Department at Grey Hosiery. He and his wife were founding members of the Hendersonville VFW and members of the First Presbyterian Church.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Harriet and Mark Sterling as well as Yvetta and Edwin Nix of Hendersonville for their care and emergency support. They also want to express appreciation to Dr. Jennifer McMillan and the entire staff at Harrisburg Family Physicians, Harrisburg NC; Penny Little, CNA and Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.

At the age of 97, Robert dismissed the idea of a funeral service as so many he cared for had preceded him in death. He hoped to and will live on in the hearts of the family and friends he left behind. He will be buried at Oakdale Cemetery in Hendersonville. He requests that any memorials be made to the Henderson County Salvation Army or Second Harvest of Asheville, as he could not bear the thought of anyone being hungry or without shelter.

<p>HENDERSONVILLE — Robert Harllee Bellamy passed away on November 10, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C. Born in Wilmington, N.C. on August 5, 1915; he lived a long and interesting life and remained a captivating story teller of his adventures until the end.</p><p>Robert is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Lorraine Messersmith Bellamy; his sister Caroline Bellamy Varnau; his parents Chesley Calhoun and Caroline Mallet Bellamy and his beloved aunt, Annabelle Gibbs Mallet. His second son, David Harllee Bellamy died in an automobile accident in 1968. </p><p>He is survived by his son Robert Rodney Bellamy and his wife Mary Kathleen Bellamy of Huntingtown, MD. He is also survived by his daughter Carol Lorraine Bellamy of Charlotte, N.C. His grandson Robert Bruce Bellamy; his granddaughter Lisa Bellamy Olin, her husband Jon Olin, and their precious gift of a great granddaughter Rebecca Marie Olin also live in Charlotte. </p><p>Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army in July of 1941 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1946. As a member of the 19th Combat Engineers he served in combat for 18 months including the WWII campaigns in Northern Africa and Italy. After being wounded three different times he transferred to the Military Intelligence Division of the War Department.</p><p>Spending the majority of his life in Hendersonville, N.C. Robert worked as the manager of the Finishing Department at Grey Hosiery. He and his wife were founding members of the Hendersonville VFW and members of the First Presbyterian Church. </p><p>The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Harriet and Mark Sterling as well as Yvetta and Edwin Nix of Hendersonville for their care and emergency support. They also want to express appreciation to Dr. Jennifer McMillan and the entire staff at Harrisburg Family Physicians, Harrisburg NC; Penny Little, CNA and Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.</p><p>At the age of 97, Robert dismissed the idea of a funeral service as so many he cared for had preceded him in death. He hoped to and will live on in the hearts of the family and friends he left behind. He will be buried at Oakdale Cemetery in Hendersonville. He requests that any memorials be made to the Henderson County Salvation Army or Second Harvest of Asheville, as he could not bear the thought of anyone being hungry or without shelter.</p><p>...Though wise men at their end know dark is right, </p><p>Because their words had forked no lightning they </p><p>Do not go gentle into that good night…</p><p>And you, my father, there on the sad height, </p><p>Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray. </p><p>Do not go gentle into that good night. </p><p>Rage, rage against the dying of the light.</p><p>Dylan Thomas</p>